“I didn’t think about it the way the headlines made it look. It was not personal, as I merely said he represented the system and it is the system that has to be improved,” said Zeman in today’s Press conference.

“Am I angry? No, these things can happen. I always expect positive things from my team in every game, though of course it can’t always work out the way you want it to. Some players were away on international duty this week, but after two months they know what I want.

“Mattia Destro is happier as a centre-forward because he has always played there, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be used elsewhere. I think a striker will attack and try to score whether he starts from the right, the left or the centre. Obviously it takes a little time to get used to the movements.”

That victory at San Siro prompted many to tip Roma as the main Scudetto rivals for Juventus.

“We are not the anti-Juve. We are Roma and will concentrate on having the best season possible. There are 20 teams in this League and I think Serie A is more balanced than other Leagues.”

Zeman admitted he could “divide” Francesco Totti and Miralem Pjanic, as “they are both construction players and don’t always give positive results when played together. Federico Balzaretti has recovered and I consider him available.”